I started when I was six years old. My first coach was my granny, she was the best player in Slovakia.

She is a dangerous player and also very experienced.

I started skating when I was six years old.

This was one of the best matches I've played against her. I tried to step it up a little bit, went for my shots and be aggressive, but at same time be a little smarter.

I wasn't aggressive enough in the first set, so after that, I told myself to hang in there and wait for my shots. I definitely feel like I always play well in Tokyo, and I think I'm off to a good start this week. I love the court here. I like the speed. It's like grass, which is my favorite surface.

I was playing well in the first set, then for some reason I decided to make it difficult for myself in the second set. I was able to get back in form and win it. The conditions were very hot but it was the same for both of us.